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51 Things You Didn’t Know About D’Angelo

Eric Alper
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51 Things You Didn’t Know About D’Angelo

The world is mourning the loss of D’Angelo, the legendary R&B singer who helped pioneer neo-soul. He died today, October 14, 2025, at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Michael Eugene Archer, D’Angelo reshaped modern soul with his albums Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah. His influence stretched from church choirs in Virginia to studios that defined an entire era of sound. Here are 51 things you didn’t know about him.

  1. D’Angelo’s real name was Michael Eugene Archer.
  2. He was born on February 11, 1974, in South Richmond, Virginia.
  3. His father was a Pentecostal preacher, and he grew up in a Pentecostal household.
  4. He began playing piano at the age of three.
  5. His 10-year-old brother discovered his gift when he caught him playing piano as a toddler.
  6. D’Angelo performed music in church alongside his father during childhood.
  7. As a teenager, he played in groups such as Three of a Kind and Michael Archer and Precise.
  8. He was also part of the hip hop group Intelligent, Deadly but Unique (I.D.U.).
  9. At 18, he won Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater Amateur Night three times in a row.
  10. Those victories inspired him to fully commit to a career in music.
  11. He dropped out of school and moved to New York City to pursue his dream.
  12. He was discovered by Jocelyn Cooper, who signed him to Midnight Songs LLC.
  13. D’Angelo co-wrote and co-produced “U Will Know” for the R&B supergroup Black Men United.
  14. That song featured major artists including Usher, Boyz II Men, and Raphael Saadiq.
  15. His brother Luther Archer wrote the lyrics for “U Will Know.”
  16. The song peaked at #5 on the R&B chart and #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  17. He wrote and produced “Overjoyed” for the Boys Choir of Harlem in 1994.
  18. He signed a recording deal with EMI Records that same year.
  19. D’Angelo released his debut album Brown Sugar in July 1995.
  20. The album spent 65 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
  21. Brown Sugar was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1996.
  22. It helped define and popularize the neo-soul movement of the 1990s.
  23. “Lady,” one of the album’s singles, reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten.
  24. He collaborated with Lauryn Hill on “Nothing Even Matters” from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
  25. D’Angelo became close collaborators with The Roots’ drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
  26. Together, they co-created his groundbreaking second album Voodoo.
  27. Voodoo was recorded at New York’s legendary Electric Lady Studios.
  28. He worked with the Soulquarians collective, which included Questlove, J Dilla, and Roy Hargrove.
  29. Voodoo debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2000.
  30. The single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” earned him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
  31. The album Voodoo won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
  32. Its music video for “Untitled” turned D’Angelo into an unexpected sex symbol.
  33. The video also led him to retreat from public life for nearly a decade.
  34. He struggled with alcoholism and personal challenges in the early 2000s.
  35. D’Angelo spent time in rehabilitation at the Crossroads Centre in Antigua.
  36. Despite difficulties, he continued to collaborate with artists like Snoop Dogg, Common, and Q-Tip.
  37. He released the compilation The Best So Far… in 2008.
  38. He began performing live again in Europe in 2012.
  39. D’Angelo released Black Messiah in December 2014.
  40. He rushed its release following the Ferguson and Eric Garner decisions.
  41. Black Messiah debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 and received universal acclaim.
  42. The song “Really Love” won Best R&B Song at the Grammys.
  43. Black Messiah also won Best R&B Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.
  44. He supported the album with The Second Coming Tour in 2015.
  45. That tour included 57 shows across Europe, Asia, and North America.
  46. He performed an emotional tribute to Prince on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2016.
  47. D’Angelo sang “Unshaken” for the Red Dead Redemption 2 video game soundtrack in 2018.
  48. He performed live at the Apollo Theater for a Verzuz special in 2021 titled D’Angelo vs Friends.
  49. He featured alongside Jay-Z on “I Want You Forever” from The Book of Clarence soundtrack in 2024.
  50. Rolling Stone ranked him #75 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023.
  51. D’Angelo is survived by three children, including one with singer Angie Stone.

Caligula’s Horse Celebrate a Decade of ‘Bloom’ With a Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition

Eric Alper
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Caligula’s Horse Celebrate a Decade of ‘Bloom’ With a Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition

Ten years after its original release, Australian prog rockers Caligula’s Horse are letting their roots grow deeper with a special 10th anniversary edition of their breakout 2015 album ‘Bloom,’ arriving November 7.

The expanded release adds four never-before-heard demos from the original sessions and features an alternate cover design by artist Chris Mangos, reimagined from the album’s original artwork.

“Ten years ago, we released ‘Bloom’ into the world,” the band shared. “It became a statement of who we are as a band and as people… The love this album has received has been overwhelming. We hope that in times of struggle, ‘Bloom’ will continue to be there for you. Remember: You have what you need in you. Just let it grow.”

Tracklist highlights include fan favorites like “Marigold,” “Firelight,” and “Turntail,” alongside raw pre-production demos and a newly unearthed 2015 recording of “Across the Universe.”

‘Bloom (10th Anniversary Edition)’ stands as both a celebration and a reflection—a reminder of where Caligula’s Horse began, and how far they’ve come since first planting their progressive seeds.

Blues-Rock Powerhouse Samantha Fish Expands Her Acclaimed Album ‘Paper Doll’ With Two New Tracks

Eric Alper
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Blues-Rock Powerhouse Samantha Fish Expands Her Acclaimed Album ‘Paper Doll’ With Two New Tracks

Genre-defying blues-rock powerhouse Samantha Fish proudly unveils the digital deluxe edition of her acclaimed album Paper Doll. This expanded version includes two brand-new bonus tracks from the original recording sessions: “Dead Armadillo,” written by Samantha and producer Bobby Harlow, and a soulful rendition of Neil Young’s classic “Don’t Let It Bring You Down.”

Reflecting on her cover of the Neil Young song, Fish shared:

“I started performing ‘Don’t Let It Bring You Down’ during the pandemic. The lyrics have a dark and bleak quality, but they also hint at the possibility of change. Even if Neil intended it to be sarcastic, it resonated with us at that time, and people seemed to enjoy our version, so we decided to record it.”

On her original track “Dead Armadillo,” Fish explained:

“It’s a full-on rock loop that builds upon itself. I enjoy creating songs with simple foundations. The chords remain constant, but the hooks and melodies evolve throughout. Lyrically, it’s about accepting that not everyone will like or love you. You don’t have to be involved in every situation you encounter, and there’s good reason for that. Not every person is meant for you. It’s a mix of self-acceptance and being unbothered by the outcomes of that.”

Samantha Fish: A Modern Guitar Icon

Fish continues to earn recognition as one of the most dynamic voices in modern blues. She made her television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show, promoting her ninth album Paper Doll, which followed her GRAMMY®-nominated collaboration with Jesse Dayton, Death Wish Blues.

Her accolades span countless music publications — she has graced the covers of Guitar World, Premier Guitar, Vintage Guitar, Guitar Thrills, and Blues Matters. Guitar World hails her as “one of the most promising young blues performers,” while No Depression praises her genre-blending abilities, noting that she can “take you on a journey through country, blow your blues away, or slam you with some raucous rock.” Garden & Gun describes her as “one of the new guitar greats,” and Guitarist Magazine declares, “Samantha Fish is a force to be reckoned with.”

Her musical prowess has earned the admiration of legends. She was handpicked by Eric Clapton for his Crossroads Tour, joined Slash on the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour, and has shared the stage with icons like The Rolling Stones and Buddy Guy.

Blending influences from Mississippi Hill Country blues to the anthemic roar of classic rock, Fish has forged a sound entirely her own. Performing over 250 shows a year, she maintains her standing as one of the hardest-working artists in modern music, touring relentlessly across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, and Japan.

PAPER DOLL TOUR DATES

Paper Doll Tour
Oct 10 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley**
Oct 11 – Newberry, SC – Newberry Opera House
Oct 18 – Dubuque, IA – Diamond Jo Casino
Oct 26–27 – Minato-ku, Japan – Blue Note Tokyo
**With Texas Headhunters

Paper Doll Tour w/ Robert Jon & The Wreck
Nov 13 – Delmar, CA – The Sound
Nov 14 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records
Nov 15 – Fontana, CA – Stage Red
Nov 16 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory
Nov 18 – Santa Barbara, CA – Lobero Theatre
Nov 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Nov 20 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
Nov 22 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
Nov 23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
Nov 24 – Bend, OR – Tower Theatre

Shake ‘Em On Down Tour w/ Cedric Burnside & Jon Spencer
Dec 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
Dec 6 – Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre
Dec 7 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Dec 10 – Carmel, IN – The Palladium
Dec 11 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
Dec 12 – Warren, OH – Robins Theatre
Dec 13 – Cincinnati, OH – Ludlow Garage
Dec 14 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Dec 16 – Rochester, NY – Temple Civic Center
Dec 17 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
Dec 18 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
Dec 19 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
Dec 20 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
Dec 21 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur

Feb 18 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – The Big Easy Cruise 2026

Paper Doll European Tour
Feb 27 – York, UK – Barbican
Feb 28 – London, UK – SBE
Mar 1 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
Mar 3 – Birmingham, UK – Town Hall
Mar 4 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
Mar 5 – Newcastle, UK – Boiler Shop / Wylam Brewery
Mar 6 – Edinburgh, UK – Queens Hall
Mar 7 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
Mar 9 – Lille, rance – Le Splendid
Mar 10 – Brussels, Belgium – De Roma
Mar 11 – Cologne, Germany – Kantine
Mar 13 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg Max
Mar 14 – Berlin, Germany – Columbia Theatre
Mar 15 – Munich, Germany – Techniku

Derry Indie-Punks CHERYM Team Up With Glasgow’s Uninvited For Split AA Single ‘The Afterparty’

Eric Alper
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Derry Indie-Punks CHERYM Team Up With Glasgow’s Uninvited For Split AA Single ‘The Afterparty’

Derry indie-punks CHERYM are delighted to reveal new music today as they announce ‘The Afterparty’, a split AA single project with Glasgow pop punk quartet Uninvited, set for release on 24th October 2025.

To celebrate the news, CHERYM’s A side single ‘Sofabed’ will be available to stream on all good digital service providers from 10th October 2025.

Alongside the single, the band recently announced a short run of October 2025 Irish headline dates, with tickets on sale now.

On the track, Cherym said: “Sofabed is a song about coming to realise romantic feelings you may be having about someone you would consider a close friend, and never fully understanding the connection between the both of you. I feel like this type of situation is so common within the WLW community and is so much a part of the early sapphic experience.”

“It was an absolute dream come true collaborating with Uninvited on this one, we LOVE them so much and it made perfect sense for us to do this together. Both bands in the alt rock scene, both queer, both not ashamed to admit losing hours of our lives, sat in front of the TV watching Kerrang! in the early 2000s. It’s safe to say we knew quite early on the exact type of collaboration we wanted to make and saw it as an opportunity to create something that would make our younger selves feel seen and valued. It’s McBusted but more homoerotic and way better looking.”

Formed in August 2020, Uninvited band members Taylor-Ray Dillon (bass and vocals), Jay Dhlakama (guitar and vocals), Alex Young (lead guitar), and Fiorenza Cocozza (drums), are fast gaining a reputation for writing quality songs that address LGBTQ+ issues and challenge traditional indie tropes. They initially rose to prominence winning the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge competition in 2022, and drummer Fiorenza also appeared on the BBC Three 2024 series of ‘I Kissed a Girl’ presented by Dannii Minogue.

Commenting on the collaboration, Uninvited said: “Working on this release with Cherym has been the best experience. Their energy, creativity, and authenticity brought so much to the track, and the process was inspiring and exciting from start to finish. A true meeting of minds. We are really proud of what we have created together—it really captures the magic of collaboration and the spirit of Derry’s own Cherym <33”

‘Sofabed’ is the first new material from Cherym since their scorching 2024 cover of Doja Cat’s anthemic single ‘Boss Bitch’ for International Women’s Day.

The band’s critically-acclaimed debut album Take It Or Leave It, was released in February 2024 on Alcopop! Records. It was widely praised in reviews from NME, The Line of Best Fit, The Irish Times, The Irish News, DORK Magazine, Kerrang! Magazine, Hot Press Magazine and more, and the band were named in Hot Press Magazine’s Hot For 2024 list.

Following a triumphant album release and UK headline tour, Cherym’s flag has firmly been planted as one of the hottest new voices in alternative music.

The trio have barely paused for breath ever since, racking up the road miles supporting Enter Shikari, Snow Patrol, The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers, and BO NINGEN, appearing at TRUCK, Manchester Punk Festival, The Great Escape Festival, 2000 Trees, Wales Goes Pop, Badlands Festival and more.

The band are currently working on material for their yet-to-be-announced second album.

Cherym 2025 Tour Dates:
21/10/25 – GRAND SOCAL BALLROOM, DUBLIN
23/10/25 – ULSTER SPORTS CLUB, BELFAST
29/10/25 – SANDINOS, DERRY

Country Star Billy Currington Feels On Top With Feel-Good New Single ‘King Of The World’

Eric Alper
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Country Star Billy Currington Feels On Top With Feel-Good New Single ‘King Of The World’

Multi-platinum country star Billy Currington dropped his latest song, “King of the World,” via MCA. Written by Troy Jones, Currington brings back the fun summer feeling of his biggest chart-topping hits.

He sings “I got the radio playing and my boat while I float / Take a toke while I listen to Merle / A hot sun, cold one, I’ll be son of a gun / I’m king of the world.”

With more new music coming soon, fans can catch Currington on the road all summer on tour. Stopping in 16 cities across the US, Currington, along with Kip Moore, is hitting major markets including Los Angeles, Austin, Boston, and more. The tour also features artist Marlon Funaki.

Currington has spent nearly two decades topping the country charts, parlaying his rich, emotion-laden tenor and unerring song sense into some of the format’s most memorable hits. Across multiple platinum-certified albums, the Georgia native has tallied 12 No. 1 singles, including quadruple platinum hit s“People Are Crazy,” “Good Directions,” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” plus the double platinum “Do I Make You Wanna,” platinum “We Are Tonight,” and more.

Media Readiness from Head to Toe: What Your Skin and Smile Say Before You Say a Word

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

In the age of high-definition everything, your first impression no longer begins when they start performing — it begins the moment the camera finds them.

Whether you’re a touring artist, podcaster, influencer, or journalist stepping into the spotlight, how you look has become inseparable from how you sound. Media today isn’t just about the message; it’s about the messenger — the image, the tone, the presence.

And while most performers obsess over wardrobe, lighting, and stage presence, there are two often-overlooked elements that shape how audiences perceive you instantly: your skin and your smile.

The modern “face” of performance

Streaming platforms, social media reels, and video interviews have blurred the line between private and public space. A phone camera can turn anyone into a brand in seconds. That means “media readiness” isn’t just for TV anchors and pop stars — it’s for anyone who steps in front of a lens.

When we talk about media presence, we’re really talking about trust. People unconsciously read small details: the clarity of skin, the brightness of eyes, the authenticity of a smile. Those details communicate vitality, discipline, and confidence before a word is spoken.

In a 15-second clip, you can’t tell your whole story — but your face already has.

Your skin: the stage you can’t step off

Skin tells stories: of long nights, tour fatigue, hydration, and stress. Artists often live under harsh lighting, heavy makeup, and changing climates — all of which challenge the body’s biggest organ.

Back-to-back gigs, travel, and irregular schedules can dry out the skin, dull the complexion, or cause irritation that cameras and spotlights amplify. Professional grooming and skincare aren’t vanity; they’re preparation.

Building a routine doesn’t mean adopting a 12-step regimen. It starts with basics: gentle cleansing, proper hydration, and sunscreen — even on cloudy days. For those constantly on the move, consider minimalist skincare with portable essentials. A clean, fresh complexion reflects clarity and energy, both of which audiences subconsciously associate with authenticity and professionalism.

Your smile: the conversation starter you can’t script

A smile breaks tension, humanizes a public figure, and anchors visual trust. But under studio lights or HD cameras, every detail shows — from staining to misalignment to worn enamel.

That doesn’t mean chasing perfection; it means maintaining natural health. Regular cleanings and preventive care go further than cosmetic procedures in maintaining an authentic, confident expression.

Performers often underestimate how dental health influences vocal performance too — jaw tension, bite alignment, and oral dryness all affect sound projection and articulation. Healthy teeth and gums aren’t just aesthetic; they’re functional tools of the trade.

Clinics that understand both health and aesthetics, such as Family Beauty, emphasize comprehensive care — helping professionals look camera-ready while keeping treatments subtle and natural. The goal isn’t to transform your appearance; it’s to make sure the real you shines through.

Confidence under the lights

When you feel self-conscious about your appearance, it shows. You smile less. You avoid eye contact. You tighten your posture. All of that changes the tone of an interview, the energy on stage, the way fans connect with you.

Artists often spend months rehearsing a performance, but confidence can collapse if they’re worrying about a breakout or chipped tooth on show day. “Camera comfort” is just as real as stage fright — and, like any skill, it’s built through preparation and self-care.

Part of that confidence also comes from accepting that no one is flawless. Even the most polished public figures have their routines, touch-ups, and maintenance rituals. The point isn’t perfection; it’s readiness.

Lighting, cameras, and the illusion of reality

Under studio lighting, everything behaves differently. Warm light flatters; blue light drains. Shadows exaggerate texture; backlighting highlights shine.

Skincare and oral health play a quiet but crucial role here. Hydrated skin reflects light evenly, creating a natural glow. Clean, healthy teeth reflect warmth rather than glare. These micro-details help photographers and video editors capture your “best side” without filters or heavy post-production.

For musicians, it’s particularly important. Music videos, live sessions, and streaming performances often rely on close-ups where emotion — and micro-expressions — tell the story. Viewers don’t just hear you; they feel you through how relaxed and genuine you look.

The mental health connection

Physical self-care and mental resilience are tightly linked. Long hours, travel, and public scrutiny take a toll. Developing routines that support skin and dental health can double as moments of calm — simple daily rituals that ground you between chaos and spotlight.

Washing your face properly, moisturizing, or flossing before bed might sound mundane, but they signal discipline and self-respect. For many artists, those quiet habits become small anchors of control in a life that rarely stops moving.

Balancing authenticity with image

The public often equates natural beauty with honesty. The trick is that “natural” usually takes effort — just not the kind that hides who you are.

A balanced approach to beauty emphasizes preservation over transformation. Instead of chasing trends, focus on consistency. Fans and viewers appreciate performers who look like themselves — only sharper, healthier, and more confident.

A well-cared-for appearance isn’t shallow. It’s communication. It says, “I take myself and my audience seriously.”

Practical tips for on-camera readiness

Here are a few small changes that make a big difference:

  • Hydrate constantly. Water is the cheapest cosmetic on earth.

  • Avoid heavy products before performing; they can react under hot lights.

  • Prioritize rest. No serum can fake eight hours of sleep.

  • Smile naturally. Practice in the mirror — the best smile is relaxed, not forced.

  • Get a professional check-up at least twice a year to keep your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy.

  • Carry lip balm — dry lips distract cameras more than you think.

Consistency beats luxury. The goal isn’t to glow once, it’s to glow every time.

From the mirror to the mic

Every performer, creator, and communicator eventually learns the same lesson: you are your brand. Not in the corporate sense, but in the way your presence carries your message.

Your voice might tell the story, but your face delivers the emotion. Media readiness starts in small, everyday habits that build confidence from the inside out. The lens catches everything — but when you care for yourself, what it really captures is authenticity.

Because before you say a word, your skin and smile have already introduced you.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Grace Calver Pours Out Wit And Chaos On Her Clever New Indie Pop Single ‘Milk’

Eric Alper
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Grace Calver Pours Out Wit And Chaos On Her Clever New Indie Pop Single ‘Milk’

Grace Calver has released her latest single ‘Milk’, a witty, self-aware indie-pop track that turns everyday chaos into charm. The 21-year-old Suffolk/Essex artist continues to hone her signature mix of irony and relatability, capturing the humour in life’s small catastrophes — from forgotten shopping lists to social media slip-ups.

“‘Milk’ is for the clumsy people, the overthinkers, the yappers, the oversharers — the ones who forget to buy milk,” Calver explains of the song, which she describes as her most “Grace Calver” track to date. True to form, it’s packed with clever observations and self-deprecating humour, including her favourite lyric: “accidentally liked his post from 2022.”

Drawing inspiration from Britpop icons like Sleeper, Blur, and Pulp, as well as contemporary influences like Sports Team, ‘Milk’ blends tongue-in-cheek storytelling with upbeat indie energy — complete with a cowbell Calver insisted on turning up in the mix. The track was produced, mixed and mastered by Jos Shepherd.

Visually, the single continues Calver’s so-called “blue era,” with artwork and studio photography by Sam Lance and a playful nod to Scott Pilgrim in the promotional material.

Since emerging with her debut EP ‘my life and its disasters’ in 2023, Calver has built a growing following for her light-hearted songwriting and magnetic live shows. She’s supported artists including The Lottery Winners, Alfie Templeman, PET NEEDS and Tom A. Smith, and has twice been recognised by the NMG Awards — winning the Solo Female Award in 2022 and Breakthrough Artist in 2024.

BBC Introducing in Suffolk & Norfolk also named her one to watch in 2023, and ‘Milk’ proves exactly why. It’s sharp, funny, and effortlessly likeable — a perfectly poured dose of Calver’s trademark self-aware pop.

Impractical Jokers Star Sal Vulcano Brings The Laughs To Niagara’s OLG Stage With The ‘Everything’s Fine Tour’

Eric Alper
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Impractical Jokers Star Sal Vulcano Brings The Laughs To Niagara’s OLG Stage With The ‘Everything’s Fine Tour’

Fallsview Casino Resort is thrilled to welcome Sal Vulcano and his incredible comedic talents to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on February 7, 2026 as part of the Everything’s Fine Tour. Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 17 at 10:00am on ticketmaster.ca.

“Sal Vulcano is known for his incredible comedic timing and delivery and has a fantasic way of engaging and connecting with the audience.  This will be a night of comedy not to be missed! ”said Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations, Niagara Casinos.

Best known as a co-creator, executive producer, and star of the long-running comedy and reality show Impractical Jokers, Sal Vulcano has built one of comedy’s most recognizable brands. In 2024, he released his debut stand-up special Terrified, quickly amassing millions of views, and launched the Everything’s Fine Tour following a sold-out run. Beyond the stage, Sal co-hosts the hit podcasts Hey Babe! And Taste Buds and tours worldwide with the Jokers selling out arenas and stages and he continues to create new projects through his production company. With Impractical Jokers entering its 12th season and new ventures on the horizon, Sal keeps audiences laughing across screens, stages and airwaves.

Show date & performance
Sal Vulcano Everything’s Fine Tour
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026Showtime: 8:00pm Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

16+ Suggested to Attend

Tickets for Sal Vulcano Everything’s Fine Tour go on sale Friday, October 17 at 10:00am.

Iron Maiden Celebrate 40 Years Of ‘Live After Death’ With Limited 2LP Vinyl Reissue And Exclusive New Content

Eric Alper
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Iron Maiden Celebrate 40 Years Of ‘Live After Death’ With Limited 2LP Vinyl Reissue And Exclusive New Content

Exactly 40 years to the day since it was first released, BMG are pleased to announce a brand new, beautifully packaged, limited collectors 2LP color vinyl edition of IRON MAIDEN’s classic album LIVE AFTER DEATH. 

Featuring the original revered gatefold sleeve artwork, the album comes with two 140g vinyls (one in blue, the other in yellow) featuring the 2015 audio remastering. The package also includes a replica 24-page World Slavery Tour program, bringing back to life the original tour program for new generations. 

Additionally the vinyl features a replica tour pass and a glossy 12-page booklet, which contains the original eight-page booklet alongside an exclusive and brand-new essay entitled Rime And Punishment: Celebrating 40 Years Of Live After Death, where Iron Maiden fan club editor Alexander Milas interviews Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Rod Smallwood and acclaimed illustrator Derek Riggs about the legendary album.

As Steve Harris explains of the time, “We were touring our arses off. It was literally just, ‘record, tour, record, tour’ – we didn’t stop. Rod was cracking the old whip, and that was the right thing to do. I mean, we were totally up for it, it’s not like we were doing stuff that we didn’t want to do. You think you’re invincible – ‘Yeah, we’ll take that on, no problem.’ That’s the way to crack it. It’s the only way for a band like us because we had no radio play whatsoever back then.”

Widely acclaimed as not just the greatest heavy metal live album of all time, but one of the most iconic live releases in any musical genre, LIVE AFTER DEATH was recorded mostly during the four nights that Maiden played at Los Angeles’ Long Beach Arena in March 1985. The final side of the double album was recorded during the four nights the band played at Hammersmith Odeon in October 1984. 

Both sets of concerts were part of the ground-breaking World Slavery Tour, in support of the band’s 1984 album Powerslave, which started in Poland and featured 187 concerts across 331 days. The tour firmly established Iron Maiden as one of the most exciting live bands on the planet, a reputation that they carry to this day.

Now in their 50th year Iron Maiden have released 17 studio albums and sold well over 100 million records worldwide, played almost 2,500 live shows across 64 countries, been the recipients of a Grammy Award and a Brit Award among many other accolades, most recently joining the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd with their very own Royal Mail stamp set, and also honoured by the Royal Mint with a collection of official coins released in 2025. 

Their beer, Trooper Beer, is now in its twelfth year and has sold in excess of 40 million pints and is distributed in 68 countries including six local variants in USA, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Sweden and Australia. 2025 marks the band’s official 50th year and is being celebrated by a two-year world tour entitled Run For Your Lives and a range of events and products including their first ever official hardcover visual history book, Infinite Dreams.

A documentary film about Iron Maiden by Universal Pictures Content Group will be released in early 2026, and the band will continue their two year Run For Your Lives World Tour through Europe and beyond. The tour includes a huge and historic performance at Knebworth Park in the U.K. on July 11th 2026.

Niagara’s OLG Stage Turns Up The Heat With Rock Titans The Trews, The Watchmen, Skydiggers And Pop Icons Boy George & Culture Club

Eric Alper
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Niagara’s OLG Stage Turns Up The Heat With Rock Titans The Trews, The Watchmen, Skydiggers And Pop Icons Boy George & Culture Club

Get ready Niagara! OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Resort is turning up the volume and dazzling audiences with an electrifying lineup that blends rock anthems and pop culture. Kicking things off and rocking the stage on January 15 are The Trews, The Watchmen and Skydiggers followed by the pop punk phenom Boy George & Culture Club on March 5. Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 17 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.

“The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino continues to deliver an incredible entertainment line up to suit every audience,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing & Resort Operations, Niagara Casinos. “The music catalogue and the artistry of our artists and performers is phenomenal and we are incredibly delighted for our guests.”

Get ready to rock with three incredible bands on January 15 – starting with The Trews – one of Canada’s most successful rock bands of the past decade, earning 19 Top 10 Rock radio singles including “Not Ready to Go”, “The World I Know” and multiple Gold & Platinum certified albums. The Trews have played thousands of shows worldwide, on their own as well as supporting many rock and roll greats including the Rolling Stones, KISS, and more.  Joining the Trews, are The Watchmen – rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba, best known for hits like “Stereo” and “Say Something,” as well as their strong social connection with fans and delivering powerhouse shows. Also joining the stage are Skydiggers, who are known for blending storytelling songwriting with unforgettable melodies. They are known for classics like “I Will Give You Everything” and are ready to wow fans with tunes from their new album Dreams & Second Chances.

Hitting the stage on March 5, is one of the most iconic London bands of the 1980s, who needs no introduction. Get ready to enjoy the incredible music of Boy George and Culture Club – they aren’t just a band-they’re a pop culture phenomenon. Boy George’s larger-than-life personality was a key component of the band’s success which saw them sell over 50 million copies worldwide and blow up the charts with hits like “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me.” They ruled the 80’s with their catchy songs and unforgettable style. Decades later, their music still gets everyone singing and dancing and their live shows are as colourful and fun as ever.

Show dates & performances

The Trews, Skydiggers, The Watchmen

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Showtime: 7:30pmVenue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Boy George & Culture Club

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Showtime: 8:00pm

Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Tickets for all performances go on sale on Friday, October 17 at 10:00am.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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